The Bonn Longitudinal Study on Aging (BOLSA) was started in 1965 with
two cohorts born in the years 1890-95 and 1900-05. Survivors were foll
owed for 15, respectively, 19 years. BOLSA data gives evidence for a h
igh degree of consistency in different patterns of aging as defined by
health, cognitive and social competence, and personality. This interi
ndividual variability is linked with socioeconomic status, gender, and
other social variables as well as with coping styles. Psychosocial va
riables also turned out to be significant predictors of longevity. BOL
SA findings point to the complexity of the process of aging which asks
for a multidimensional approach. The list of references includes many
English-language publications by the BOLSA staff.